Another World Cup, another defeat at the hands of the Germans. Some things never change. At least England's Under-17 side have learned an early lesson about the reality of playing for their country, but overall it was a dispiriting experience for the youngsters, who had high hopes going into their quarter-final at Estadio Morelos in Mexico.

John Peacock's side could take heart from the manner in which they fought back after Samed Yesil's double, which sandwiched an effort from Kaan Ayhan, had put Germany 3-0 ahead after 54 minutes. At that point, it seemed the best England could hope for was to save face.

Incredibly they nearly did more than that. A penalty from Sam Magri restored respectability, and when Hallam Hope reduced the deficit even further with seven minutes left, England dared to dream. However, Germany held on to book their place in the semi-finals.

Germany were heavy favourites going into a match played on the 21st anniversary of West Germany's penalty shoot-out victory over England in the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup, and wasted little time in making their superiority count. After just seven minutes, a long ball over the top was not dealt with by Nathaniel Chalobah, allowing Yesil to race through and fire past Jordan Pickford.

Yesil, who has been linked with Arsenal, then went close to doubling Germany's lead, but the Bayer Leverkusen striker's shot from the edge of the box hit the post. Four minutes later, Germany did grab their second, as Ayhan turned in a mis-hit shot from Marvin Ducksch from close range.

Shortly into the second half, England were caught out again, the unmarked Yesil converting Mitchell Weiser's cross from the right after a swift break from Germany.

To their credit, England refused to give up. They grabbed a lifeline after 67 minutes when Magri sent Odisseas Vlachodimos the wrong way from the spot following Nico Perrey's foul on Nick Powell.

Suddenly Germany did not look so self-assured, and poor defending gifted England a second goal. Ducksch's lazy backheel gifted possession to Nathan Redmond on the right. He cut inside and hit a low shot towards the far corner, which Vlachodimos could only push out to Hope, who could hardly miss. England, though, were ultimately left with a familiar feeling.